From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

Exploring the breathtaking waters off the coast of Madeira, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour from Funchal offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating marine life that calls this region home. Departing from the island’s capital, this 3-hour catamaran cruise promises sightings of majestic dolphins, whales, and turtles, with a knowledgeable crew providing insightful commentary throughout the journey. Beyond the thrill of spotting these magnificent creatures, the tour also includes a refreshing stop at the iconic Cabo Girão, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this Atlantic paradise. But what truly sets this experience apart is the tour’s remarkable guarantee – if no wildlife is spotted, guests are offered a complimentary second cruise. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Madeira.

Key Points

• A 3-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal’s marina offering a guaranteed sighting of dolphins, whales, and turtles, or a free second cruise.
• Opportunity to explore Madeira’s diverse marine ecosystem, including a stop at the iconic Cabo Girão sea cliffs for swimming.
• Live commentary by qualified crew in English and Portuguese, enhancing the educational and immersive experience.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with restrictions on luggage, intoxication, and prohibited items to ensure passenger safety.
• High customer satisfaction with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 1,100 reviews, particularly for the tour’s organization and attentive crew.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Offering a captivating 3-hour cruise from Funchal’s marina, the Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour provides visitors an opportunity to witness the region’s diverse marine wildlife.

Priced from 1,001 CZK per person, the tour allows travelers to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles in the Atlantic Ocean.

With a guaranteed sighting or a free second cruise, the experienced crew offers live commentary in English and Portuguese.

Additional inclusions cover hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as food and drinks available for purchase.

Flexibility in booking is offered, with a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Given its popularity, it’s recommended to secure reservations ahead of time.

Experience Highlights

With a guaranteed sighting or a free second cruise, the Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour promises an immersive experience in the Atlantic Ocean.

Guests can expect to spot a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and turtles, as they cruise along the coast.

The highlight of the tour is a stop at Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, where travelers can take a refreshing swim.

Throughout the 3-hour excursion, a qualified crew provides live commentary in English and Portuguese, sharing insights about the local wildlife and environment.

This unique tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness the wonders of Madeira’s marine ecosystem.

Inclusions and Meeting Information

The Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour includes a catamaran cruise, live commentary from the qualified crew, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the tour.

Meeting Point	Check-in Time	Tour Start Time
VMT Madeira, Catamaran Trips Quiosque, Funchal Marina (Cais 8, below Praça do Povo)	30 minutes before departure	Varies, check availability

Passengers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and rain gear. Luggage, large bags, intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed on the tour. The tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to intoxicated passengers without a refund.

Important Guidelines and Restrictions

Passengers are advised to bring a range of essential items for the Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour, including comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and rain gear.

Large bags and luggage aren’t permitted. Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited, and the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to any intoxicated passengers without a refund.

The tour may be canceled due to insufficient passengers or adverse weather conditions, in which case alternatives or full refunds will be offered.

Safety is a top priority, and the operator won’t hesitate to cancel the tour if necessary.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Typically, reviewers express positive experiences with the Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour, rating it an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 1,100 reviews.

The tour’s transportation and organization receive particularly high marks, with 4.5 and 4.6 scores respectively. Customers praise the attentive crew and spacious catamaran.

Some note minor language limitations, while experiences with wildlife sightings are mixed.

Tour Availability and Duration

The Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour is available for booking year-round, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Guests can choose from a variety of starting times to suit their schedules. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, providing ample time to spot dolphins, whales, and turtles in the Atlantic Ocean.

Reservations can be made online, with a "reserve now, pay later" option available. In the event that no cetaceans are spotted during the cruise, the tour operator offers a free second cruise as a guarantee.

Visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure at the designated meeting point in Funchal Marina.

Catamaran Cruise Details

The Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour takes place aboard a modern catamaran that provides passengers with an optimal vantage point for spotting marine life.

The spacious catamaran features comfortable seating and ample space for moving around, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic Atlantic Ocean views. A qualified crew provides live commentary in English and Portuguese, sharing their expertise on the local wildlife and pointing out any sightings of dolphins, whales, or turtles.

The tour also includes a stop at the impressive Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, where passengers can take a refreshing swim.

With reliable transportation and an attentive service, the catamaran cruise offers an immersive and enjoyable experience.

Wildlife Sighting Guarantee

A sighting guarantee sets the Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour apart, ensuring an immersive wildlife experience. If no cetaceans are spotted during the 3-hour cruise, the tour operator offers customers a free second cruise. This ensures guests don’t leave disappointed, as the Atlantic Ocean around Madeira is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and turtles.

The qualified crew provides live commentary in English and Portuguese, sharing insights about the local wildlife and ecosystem. With this sighting guarantee, travelers can confidently book the tour, knowing they’ll see the region’s impressive marine inhabitants or get a second chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to See Dolphins and Whales?

The best time of year to see dolphins and whales is typically during the spring and summer months when the water is warmer and the creatures are more active in the Atlantic Ocean.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour seems suitable for families with young children. It offers hotel pickup and drop-off, live commentary, and the opportunity to swim at a scenic sea cliff location. However, it’s important to consider children’s comfort and safety needs.

Are There Any Special Discounts or Promotions Available?

The tour operator occasionally offers discounts or promotions, such as a family package or a free second cruise if no cetaceans are spotted. Customers should check the website or contact the company for the latest deals.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the cruise, but the tour includes the option to purchase refreshments onboard. The operator provides everything needed for the dolphin and whale watching experience.

How Reliable Is the Wildlife Sighting Guarantee?

The wildlife sighting guarantee is quite reliable, with a second free cruise offered if no cetaceans are spotted. However, weather and other factors can impact sightings, so there’s no absolute guarantee of seeing dolphins, whales, or turtles on every tour.

Recap

The Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour from Funchal offers an unforgettable experience in the stunning Atlantic Ocean. With a wildlife sighting guarantee, knowledgeable crew, and convenient amenities, it’s the perfect way to explore Madeira’s vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an adventure, this tour promises an immersive and memorable journey through the breathtaking waters of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: